John Dickinson

  • Federalist
  • Represented the state of Delaware at the Constitutional Convention

Background
Studied law at the Inns of Court in London
Soldier during the Revolutionary War
Practiced law in Philadelphia
Helped create Declaration of Independence, but did not sign

Occupation
Delaware and Pennsylvania legislature from 1760 to 1775
Representative of Pennsylvania in 1776
Governor of both Pennsylvania and Delaware in early 1780s
Delaware State Senate in 1792

Constitutional Convention
Was present at the Constitutional Convention
Represented the state of Delaware
Major architect of the Great Compromise

State's Ratifying Convention
Was not present at the time of the Ratifying
Wrote letters under the name of "Fabius" to help support the new Constitution
Writings helped Delaware become first official state

Friends
James Wilson
James Madison
Dr. Benjamin Rush

Foes
Anti-Federalists


Bibliography:

"John Dickinson." John DIckinson: Delaware. 17 Sept. 2008 http://www.history.army.mil/books/revwar/ss/dickinson.htm.

"John Dickinson." National Archives and Records Administration. 17 Sept. 2008 http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/marrydelaware.html.

"Fabius VIII." Teaching American History. 2006. 17 Sept. 2008 <http://www.teachingamericanhistory.org/library/index.asp?document=1771>.